Maximum Ride by James Patterson

Amazon.com pushed this book at me for a while. I resisted, because I wasn't convinced I would like it. Then trouble4hire gave it to me along with a bunch of other stuff she had picked up. I really enjoyed reading 1st to Die, by the same author, so I thought I'd give it a try while I was sick.

I was disappointed. The book is often melodramatic, and that shows no signs of letting up for future installments. The main characters - well, I know they're just kids, but I feel like they haven't considered all of the possibilities. Why do they always get found? Well, we get the answer to that - why don't they try to do something about it? In some ways I think they give up too easily. They're smart but so impractical. They need allies but don't try to find any. Granted, they're running for their lives, but they never think more than a step ahead. Again, a disappointment. Two stars. But I'm not sorry I read it - if I hadn't, I would have always wondered if it was good. If you read it, read it while sick or on a plane.

Bizenghast by M. Alice LeGrow

My roommate syprina put out Bizenghast along with How Loathesome, saying she thought mrpet and I would like them. I told her I had already read How Loathesome but would give the other one a try. This is a short black and white English-language manga about two teenagers who live in a strange, haunted place. The art is beautiful - lots of intricate lines, which I love, especially when, as here, they're portraying Gothic mansions and gorgeous dresses. The plotline is interesting, although certainly the art is what makes this a good choice for comic book enthusiasts. Three stars. I haven't read anything this gothic in a while, but suspect I'll have to give the sequels a try.